danny1 wrote:Door had frozen shut though so had a bit of comedy trying to get out

Details please, danny1!

err well i kip overnight in proper sleeling bag...i wake up and put on my running gear real quick- jump out- lock up and run a couple of miles into the city and get showered at work.

On this occasion - wake up...grab me stuff...climb out of bag...quickly got shorts trainers etc on- went to pull handle on side door- frozen- jump into the front...passenger side door frozen...cant get out....its fuckin cold so i get back in sleeping bag with my gear on and think when im gonna do. You can open the back door by pokin a finger through a hole so i tried that...it worked so climb over back seats and just as i jumped out two people walked past...scared shite out of them.

danny1 wrote:Door had frozen shut though so had a bit of comedy trying to get out

Details please, danny1!

err well i kip overnight in proper sleeling bag...i wake up and put on my running gear real quick- jump out- lock up and run a couple of miles into the city and get showered at work.

On this occasion - wake up...grab me stuff...climb out of bag...quickly got shorts trainers etc on- went to pull handle on side door- frozen- jump into the front...passenger side door frozen...cant get out....its fuckin cold so i get back in sleeping bag with my gear on and think when im gonna do. You can open the back door by pokin a finger through a hole so i tried that...it worked so climb over back seats and just as i jumped out two people walked past...scared shite out of them.

you thought about a diesel cab heater like the ones in lorries? i think they use approximately fek all diesel, like a drip an hr and you can leave them on all night

Webasto seems to be the common maker for a heater. Around £600.00 though! I hope I'm not looking at the correct product...The above threads mentions about BMW engine Rover 75 and MG equivalent having a factory fitted cab heater. Didn't read the whole thread so it might be a false claim (or not?).

Last edited by defever on Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.

benjamin007 wrote:Best surf wagon, small van or estate cheaper to run = more trips away Simple.

Yup, that's how I see it too. Congratulations on your proud ownership of T5!

I did have a look at Vauxhall estates, too. Was your Astra recently registered (after year 2001)? The tax band used to be based on engine size (less or more than 1.6L, £135.00 and £220.00 yearly, respectively) untill March 2001, then CO2 and fuel type came into the equation for any cars registered after then.

My 2p's worth. I've owned quite a few of the cars mentioned over the past few years

Focus Estate - had the 1.8 petrol so not good on fuel but always thought a diesel version with roof bars would make a pretty good surf/work car. Will take a 9'2" easily

Citroen Picasso - comfy but not as good as the Focus. And prone to the odd rattle.

VW Passat - ace car but watch out for electrical problems. I was never 100% certain anything electrical would work from one day to the next which can be a bit of a drag.

Ford Mondeo - had the TDCi version which will easily do 50+ mpg. Plenty big and fast enough but costly when the clutch goes like mine did.

Ex-AA T4 - my current vehicle. It's every bit as good as people say they are. Wouldn't/couldn't justify one just for surfing but I use mine for camping, biking etc. Will be sad to see it go when the time comes.

I'd go for a diesel Focus Estate if had to make a choice based on a balance between surfing, work and running costs

not really relevant. have had a few vans and some estates. Loved my old hatchback Ford Mondeo, could fit a 9'0 and sleep in it.choice all depends on where u live. i live on beach so no need for big car. if i do a trip i'll stick boards on roof or sometimes rent a big car/small van cos if there's a deal on.having driven the work T5 i can vouch for them but damn pricey.if i lived inland and wanted to head down for a weekend i'd defo go for an estate given petrol prices and vehicle prices these days, then camp/kip at mates/cheap hostel or kip in back if down for weekend. too bloody expensive for owt else these days.i can't be bothered with driving for economy these days....i don't do long drives often and now when i do i just wanna get there asap and get out the fricking car!

surfrat wrote:i can't be bothered with driving for economy these days....i don't do long drives often and now when i do i just wanna get there asap and get out the fricking car!

Ah! You need to learn how to POOTLE! Get a vehicle with a high driving position, no road holding and a gutless engine then you will free yourself from driving and pootle everywhere completely relaxed and happy. i.e. get a Renault Kangoo (2 shortboards in the roofspace leaves all the seats and luggage space free).

ajbiped wrote:I'd go for a diesel Focus Estate if had to make a choice based on a balance between surfing, work and running costs

Why Focus estate? Instead of Mondeo estate? I'm not challenging your view, just wondered what opted you to chose Focus version of the estate...

I'm trying to understand the variations in models. For example, Focus hatchback version vs estate version; Mondeo saloon version vs estate version. How come each models have "hatchback", "saloon", and "estate" variations? Why don't makers simply classify their models as hatchback, saloon, and estates? For example with Ford, why don't they call all their hatchbacks "Focus" or "Fiesta" and all estates "Mondeo" and all saloons something else? And then within models, there are different trims (correct term?) like "Ghia," "LX," "Zetec."

Especially with estate variations of a model, some models look as if the rear section was "added" onto an already completed hatchback template at the last minute and just looks like the rear end is hanging on for dear life... like Astra estates and Golf estates. Their build doesn't LOOK like they've considered the mechanical/engineering difference of a hatchback and an estate (for example wheel base, loading stress, weight distribution).

Mazda 323F petrol - takes an 8'2" - reasonable on fuel, shite to sleep in, good to nip down the local (6/10)

All bar the Mazda had roof rails, homemade roofbars, two MTB's on the outside and up to 4 boards down the middle there's probably a few other cars in there I've missed. ( Citroen Xsara diesel, good engine , shite running gear, Peugeot 405 estate - shite)

I have only one piece of info to pass on E, stay clear of the Merc vito MK1! Cheap to buy with a great gear box and an engine pulls like a train but...........the body work rusts at the hint of moisture and the drive shafts are a pretty common issue too. Fairly expensive to fix issues either way, loved my merc for about 5 months then the rust started to show and once it took a hold it was a constant battle and an expensive time consuming one too.

I am currently looking at estates or a caddy myself...........though my little pug diesel has legendary fuel consumption!!

Black wrote: i.e. get a Renault Kangoo (2 shortboards in the roofspace leaves all the seats and luggage space free).

ahh, good shout! Mate of mine has one, seems to be an awesome little surf-wagon.

Mine is X reg so a bit aged, lots of it don't work anymore. Noticed it had bolt holes above the windows, found some bolts, washers and washing line, hey presto 6'3 & 6'2 stashed and easily removed and still lots of headroom. You wouldn't really see they were in there if you took the fins out. Up & over door at the back for changing shelter. Perfect

Black wrote: i.e. get a Renault Kangoo (2 shortboards in the roofspace leaves all the seats and luggage space free).

ahh, good shout! Mate of mine has one, seems to be an awesome little surf-wagon.

Mine is X reg so a bit aged, lots of it don't work anymore. Noticed it had bolt holes above the windows, found some bolts, washers and washing line, hey presto 6'3 & 6'2 stashed and easily removed and still lots of headroom. You wouldn't really see they were in there if you took the fins out. Up & over door at the back for changing shelter. Perfect